Woodland Resources

Best Management Practices

States are required by the federal Clean Water Act to identify Best Management Practices to control surface runoff and other forms of nonpoint pollution. In many states in the US, BMPs are considered voluntary for forest owners. However, the AFF Standard of Sustainability says that to be certified, forest owners must apply BMPs (Standard 4, Performance Measure 4.1). States are given the flexibility to define their own BMPs appropriate to the management measure and approved by EPA North Carolina BMPs:

Find IPM resources in your state.

Find pesticide resources in your state.

Fish, Wildlife and Biodiversity

North Carolina Department of Environment & Natural Resources
This is the state agency responsible for the conservation and management of the state's natural resources including wildlife and aquatic resources. Sources of information on threatened and endangered species include:

Natural Heritage Program
This program provides information on state and federal threatened and endangered plants and wildlife, habitats of particular conservation concern, and stewardship actions designed to benefit these important natural resources. The site has an online mapping tool, The Virtual Workroom, that can provide geographic information on threatened and endangered species and natural communities of concern that are within a 2-mile radius of a specified location. A searchable database that can provide county-level and USGS quad information is also available. **Site specific requests can be made free of charge.

North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission
This is the state agency responsible for the conservation and management of the state's wildlife and aquatic resources. In 2005, all states completed a State Wildlife Action Plan to identify and focus management on fish and wildlife in greatest need of conservation. This document provides an overview of key species (primarily nongame) and habitats of conservation concern throughout the state.

Special Sites

North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources
This office preserves and promotes the cultural heritage of North Carolina. Programs of interest include:

State Historic Preservation Office
This is the primary state agency with knowledge and expertise in historic preservation, providing assistance in identifying and protecting historic properties and other cultural sites in the state. The staff includes preservation specialists (including historians, architectural historians, historic architects, and archaeologists). This office maintains architectural survey files for most North Carolina counties. In addition, a number of published local architectural surveys are available through their website.

Office of the State Archaeologist
The Office of the State Archaeologist is the primary source of information on the prehistoric and historic archaeology of North Carolina. The office works to protect and preserve archaeological sites and objects, including human burial sites.

State Archives
The History Commission identifies, preserves, and makes accessible records (such as census records, military records, family histories, and various county, state and federal records) and other documents of historical value to the state.

Natural Resources Conservation Service - Cultural Resources
The NRCS provides financial and technical assistance, including guidance related to cultural resources, to implement conservation practices. Prior to implementation, NRCS staff or other conservation partners will normally conduct site visits that include an inventory of cultural resources. If resources are identified, they can help provide options for preservation and a variety of appropriate land uses. Even if you are not receiving funding from NRCS, the Cultural Resources Specialist or Coordinator can provide information regarding cultural resources and may be able to visit your property or connect you with other organizations or individuals for assistance. The Cultural Resources Directory can be used to locate your state's Cultural Resources Specialist or Coordinator.

Best Management Practices

States are required by the federal Clean Water Act to identify Best Management Practices to control surface runoff and other forms of nonpoint pollution. In many states in the US, BMPs are considered voluntary for forest owners. However, the AFF Standard of Sustainability says that to be certified, forest owners must apply BMPs (Standard 4, Performance Measure 4.1). States are given the flexibility to define their own BMPs appropriate to the management measure and approved by EPA. North Carolina BMPs

Find special site resources in your state.

Find special site resources in your state.